Gravity Balans Chair Review
Kneeling in a Gravity
In every way the Balans Gravity recliner from Varier turns conventional seating on its head because it is actually four different chairs rolled into one and the user gets the choice of which to sit in as the mood takes you.
Looking at its futuristic design it's hard to believe it was first launched 26 years ago as the Stokke Gravity Balans chair, before being rebranded by the company into its Varier range in 2006.
Designer Peter Opsvik set out to design a chair which lets users sit in four distinct ways changing position whenever you like and how well he has succeeded in achieving his objectives.
As Peter says "It is not a chair, it is a way of life"
Let's take a look at the different ways you can sit in it.
Sitting in Gravity Balans
It's a chair to work in, to read in, to relax in, to power nap in, you get to choose as it effortlessly moves to the position you desire
Simply by using your body weight to set it to the sitting posture you want to be in, just leaning forward to take a drink, picking up an article to read and leaning back again to relax it really is that easy.
Movement in a chair is important for maintaining a healthy body and this is why so many people find standard office chairs so uncomfortable in prolonged use.
Semi Reclined in Gravity Balans
Here you have a chair designed for movement as your body feels the need and the great thing is any and all of the different sitting positions are healthy and supportive keeping your back, body and circulation in excellent shape.
In the forward position the user rests their shins on the leg cushions and it's a kneeling chair, this will be an ideal way to work at a desk or table and has all the benefits of knee sitting, including healthy back alignment and improved breathing and concentration.
The next position sees you sitting much as you would in a normal chair with feet on the floor however you get the added benefit of leg cushions to comfortably support the fronts of your legs if you choose to.
Fully Reclined in Gravity Balans
Next we go to the semi reclined position where the back and neck gain even more comfort and support through not just the backrest but also an adjustable neck cushion. This is probably the best position for working with a laptop or reading a book.
Finally, there is the fully reclined position which is probably the nearest you can get to zero gravity sitting as it creates a feeling of weightlessness. In this position you can both work and rest. Working with a laptop is still easy although for extended working you will likely be best to use a bean bag table or cantilever laptop stand.
And if you've had enough of work why not take a quick power nap to rejuvenate your body? The great thing about being fully reclined is not only has it taken the pressure off your spine and neck by having the legs raised it gives your blood circulation a boost too, keeping your heart working healthily.
Technical Information, Dimensions and Warranty
Dimensions
- Overall length: 53.10 inches
- Overall width: 28.75 inches
- Overall height: 48 inches
- Seat height: 17.30 inches
Finishes
Frame is either natural lacquered, black or mocca stained Beech all harvested from highly sustainable forests.
Quick shipping options include either natural lacquered or black frame with either black Crusvik or black leather upholstery. There is also a wide choice of alternative fabrics available to order.
Perhaps not surprisingly the chair is supplied flat pack with detailed instructions for self assembly. For hardwood floor use there is an option to include protective tapes to the chairs runners.
Warranty
The wooden frame structure is covered by a 7 year warranty with the mechanical parts having 5 years warranty and upholstery and foam covered for 3 years.
Overall Assessment
The Gravity Balans chair is a one of a kind sitting experience and is really four chairs in one, it's built to a very high standard and should serve you well beyond its warranty period. It's probably not going to become a common site in corporate offices nonetheless for those who work from home it will operate really well.
A word of caution if you fancy owning one, it is a big chair and will need more space than conventional office or kneeling chairs if you intend to use it with a desk or table plan on allowing 6 foot behind your work surface for when you fully recline. This won't be as critical when using it on its own say with a laptop.
Where To Buy Online
This online ergonomics seating specialist has great pricing with quick shipping on the Gravity Balans chair and ships carriage paid to the US mainland and includes a 30 day return policy.